However, young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning (LGBTIQ+) are among the most marginalized and excluded members of society.

This can have lasting consequences on their social and psychological health, and have substantial adverse effects on society as a whole.

We have to keep fighting against discrimination. 72 States or countries still criminalise same-sex sexual relations. In 8 States or Countries, such relations are punishable by the death penalty. Only 25 countries allow same-sex couples to marry.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia first launched in 2004 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTIQ+ community. This year’s theme is ‘Alliances for Solidarity’.

This year, on International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia, 17th May, we are standing with those who can’t be themselves.

If I were to #BEME ...

Bradley Brock

I wanted to be a part of this campaign because we need to raise awareness for mental health and the LGBTIQ+ community, especially bisexual and transgender youth. We take for granted where we are from and how we can express ourselves.

David Gough

Being a LGBTIQ+ InterCounty GAA referee I endeavour to shape conditions on the pitch where parity, respect and fair play are upheld. As a Primary School Teacher I recognise that children expect fairness, humanity and equality from us as adults – I would hope to help and support Plan International in creating a world that could live up to their expectations.

Senator David Norris

I fought for the decriminalisation of homosexuality for many years and while many countries have followed Ireland’s example there are still far too many who don’t. The fight continues. Let us stand in solidarity and do all we can to encourage those who have not decriminalised homosexuality to do so and to protect and prevent further abuse of our LGBTIQ+ brothers and sisters in the name of the law.

Paddy Smyth

Being gay and disabled hasn’t been an easy ride for me. I’ve been put in a box of ‘the disabled lad’ and the ‘gay lad’ so many times that I felt the struggle of not being able to be myself due to being ridiculed for being ‘different’. It is so important to highlight the discrimination faced by the LGBTIQ+ community that still remains in the world. Everyone has the right to be who they want to be without fear or judgement.

Maria Walsh

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, yet LGBTIQ+ youth are among the most marginalised and excluded members of society. 72 States or countries still criminalise same-sex sexual relations. If I lived in one of these countries, I would not have had the career I’ve had. I might be forced to marry someone from the opposite sex. I could not “Be Me”.

Brendan Courtney

I have been judged, bullied and attacked for being gay, but with my family’s support I stayed strong and remained true to myself, looking back it was really difficult, but now I can say it was worth the fight.

Lindsay Peat

Being me, being Lindsay Peat, being completely open to express myself in how and whom I chose to love would have destroyed my dream of being an athlete and representing my beloved country if I lived in a country that still criminalises same sex relations. We must work together to tackle discrimination.

Valerie Mulchay

I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a secondary teacher and a footballer who happens to be gay. I’m married to a wonderful woman and I rightly have the freedom and opportunities of my straight brothers and sisters. These freedoms are impossible for people like me in 72 different countries today and that is unacceptable and desperately sad. Had I been born in a different location on this planet, I would not have been allowed to love who I love or play the sport that I love. I could not be me.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” We must protect the rights of #LGBTIQ+ youth!

For more than 80 years we’ve been taking action and standing up for every child’s right to fulfil their potential. On a daily basis, our energy is devoted to making a difference for children living in poverty.

We stand up for children’s rights and promote equality for girls. We listen to the children we work with and find the best way forward together. We trust in what we do.

Our approach mixes the practical with the entrepreneurial.

We’re open, accountable and honest. We believe it’s important to share the impact of our work with the people who support us. We are different. We are Plan International.

Plan International Ireland is a member of Dóchas and has adopted its Code of Conduct on Images and Messages.

For more than 80 years we’ve been taking action and standing up for every child’s right to fulfil their potential. On a daily basis, our energy is devoted to making a difference for children living in poverty.

We stand up for children’s rights and promote equality for girls. We listen to the children we work with and find the best way forward together. We trust in what we do.

Our approach mixes the practical with the entrepreneurial.

We’re open, accountable and honest. We believe it’s important to share the impact of our work with the people who support us. We are different. We are Plan International.

Plan International Ireland is a member of Dóchas and has adopted its Code of Conduct on Images and Messages.